Joshua 10:18

KJV

And Joshua said, Roll great stones upon the mouth of the cave, and set men by it for to keep them:

KJV (with Strong's)

And Joshua {H3091} said {H559}, Roll {H1556} great {H1419} stones {H68} upon the mouth {H6310} of the cave {H4631}, and set {H6485} men {H582} by it for to keep {H8104} them:

Complete Jewish Bible

Y'hoshua said, "Roll big stones to the mouth of the cave, and put men there to guard them.

Berean Standard Bible

So Joshua said, “Roll large stones against the mouth of the cave, and post men there to guard them.

American Standard Version

And Joshua said, Roll great stones unto the mouth of the cave, and set men by it to keep them:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 10:18 records Joshua's decisive command to secure the five Amorite kings who had sought refuge in a cave at Makkedah, following Israel's miraculous victory over their combined forces. This strategic order to seal the cave with large stones and station guards highlights Joshua's prudent leadership and the essential human responsibility required to consolidate a divinely granted triumph. It marks a critical step in the southern campaign, ensuring the capture and eventual judgment of these key enemy leaders.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed at the culmination of the southern campaign, immediately after the Lord's unprecedented intervention at Gibeon, where He fought for Israel by causing the sun to stand still and sending devastating hailstones upon the Amorites, as recounted in [Joshua 10:11](/joshua/10-11 "Joshua 10:11 - God Fights for Israel"). The five Amorite kings—from Jerusalem, Hebron, Jarmuth, Lachish, and Eglon—who had formed an alliance against Gibeon (which had recently made peace with Israel), fled the battlefield and sought concealment in a cave at Makkedah. Joshua's command in this verse is an immediate and tactical military response, demonstrating his strategic foresight even amidst the ongoing pursuit of the remaining enemy forces. It directly precedes the public execution of these kings, described in [Joshua 10:26-27](/joshua/10-26-27 "Joshua 10:26-27 - Execution of the Five Kings"), signifying a pivotal moment in the comprehensive conquest of the southern region of Canaan.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, the capture and public execution of enemy kings served as a profound symbol of the complete subjugation of their people, territory, and deities. Caves were ubiquitous features of the Palestinian landscape, frequently utilized as natural shelters, hiding places, or even burial sites. The Amorites were a prominent group among the Canaanite peoples inhabiting the land promised to Israel, and their defeat was integral to the divine mandate for Israel to dispossess the wicked inhabitants of the land, as explicitly commanded in [Deuteronomy 7:1-2](/deuteronomy/7-1-2 "Deuteronomy 7:1-2 - Command to Destroy the Nations"). Joshua's command reflects a pragmatic and effective military strategy designed to consolidate the victory by neutralizing the enemy leadership, preventing any possibility of their escape or regrouping, and preparing for their public display and execution, which would serve as a powerful deterrent to other Canaanite city-states and a clear declaration of Israel's divinely-backed triumph.

* **Key Themes:** [Joshua 10:18](/joshua/10-18 "Joshua 10:18 - Joshua's Prudent Command") vividly illustrates the profound interplay between **Divine Victory and Human Responsibility**. Despite God's miraculous and overwhelming intervention in the battle, Joshua did not succumb to complacency. His immediate command to seal the cave and post guards underscores the enduring necessity of human diligence, strategic action, and sustained effort, even after experiencing profound divine intervention. This highlights the theme of **Strategic Prudence and Diligence**, demonstrating that unwavering faith in God's omnipotent power does not negate the need for practical wisdom and persistent human endeavor. Furthermore, the act of securing these kings points directly to the theme of **Thoroughness in Conquest and Judgment**. The complete defeat and capture of these pivotal leaders were crucial steps in fulfilling God's righteous judgment against the Canaanites and ensuring the comprehensive nature of Israel's territorial gains, a theme consistently emphasized throughout [the book of Joshua](/joshua/1 "The Book of Joshua - Conquest and Inheritance").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Joshua (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôwshûwaʻ'_):** The name `יְהוֹשֻׁעַ` (_Yᵉhôwshûwaʻ'_) means "Jehovah-saved" or "the Lord is salvation." This is highly significant in this context, as Joshua, whose name embodies divine salvation, is the one issuing the command to secure the enemies. It underscores that even in human leadership and strategic action, the ultimate source of victory and salvation is Yahweh. Joshua acts as God's instrument, demonstrating the practical outworking of God's saving power through human obedience and diligence.
* **Roll (Hebrew, _gâlal'_):** The verb `גָּלַל` (_gâlal'_) means "to roll," implying a deliberate, strenuous, and concerted physical action. It suggests that moving these "great stones" was not a trivial task but required significant effort from the Israelite soldiers. This choice of verb reinforces the theme of active human labor and participation in securing the divine victory, emphasizing that God's miraculous intervention does not bypass the need for human exertion and obedience.
* **Great (Hebrew, _gâdôwl'_):** The adjective `גָּדֹול` (_gâdôwl'_) describes the "stones" as "great" in size. This detail emphasizes the substantial nature of the barrier required to effectively seal the cave entrance, highlighting the thoroughness and physical effort involved in ensuring the kings could not escape. It speaks to the practical, tangible reality of the task and the determination to secure the victory comprehensively, leaving no room for the enemy to slip away.
* **Keep (Hebrew, _shâmar'_):** The verb `שָׁמַר` (_shâmar'_) means "to guard," "to watch over," or "to preserve." In this specific context, it denotes vigilant security and careful oversight of the captives. It implies an ongoing responsibility to prevent escape and maintain control until the appropriate time for their judgment and execution. This word underscores the diligence and sustained vigilance required to consolidate the gains of battle and ensure the complete fulfillment of God's judgment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Joshua said,"**: This opening phrase establishes Joshua's immediate and decisive authority as the military commander. It signifies a direct, tactical order given in the heat of battle and pursuit, demonstrating his active and responsible leadership in the aftermath of God's miraculous intervention. His word carries the weight of divine appointment and military necessity.
* **"Roll great stones upon the mouth of the cave,"**: This is a highly practical and strategic command. The "great stones" indicate a robust and effective sealing of the cave, physically preventing the escape of the five kings. This action demonstrates Joshua's military prudence and foresight, ensuring that the primary enemy leaders, though temporarily out of sight, remain secured and accounted for. It is a tangible act of consolidating the victory.
* **"and set men by it for to keep them:"**: This concluding part of the command emphasizes ongoing vigilance and human responsibility. Merely sealing the cave was insufficient; guards were explicitly needed to ensure the kings remained imprisoned and to prevent any attempt at escape or rescue. This highlights the crucial principle that divine intervention does not negate the need for human diligence, sustained effort, and responsible stewardship in securing and maintaining the victory God has graciously granted.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several impactful literary devices. **Irony** is powerfully present in the kings' choice of a cave—a place traditionally associated with security, concealment, and refuge—which ultimately becomes their inescapable trap and leads directly to their demise. This transforms a perceived sanctuary into a place of certain judgment. **Symbolism** is also evident; the sealing of the cave with "great stones" can symbolize the finality, inevitability, and comprehensiveness of God's judgment against the wicked inhabitants of the land, as well as Israel's unwavering commitment to executing that divine judgment thoroughly. Furthermore, there is a striking **Contrast** between the overwhelming, miraculous power of God displayed in the battle itself (e.g., the sun standing still, the hailstones) and the practical, human effort required to secure the fruits of that victory. This juxtaposition underscores a fundamental biblical principle: divine sovereignty consistently works in conjunction with human responsibility and diligent action.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 10:18 profoundly illustrates the biblical principle of divine sovereignty working in tandem with human responsibility. God had already fought miraculously for Israel, securing an unparalleled victory. Yet, Joshua, as God's chosen leader, did not become passive or presumptuous. He immediately issued a practical, strategic command to secure the captured kings. This teaches us that while God is the ultimate giver of victory and the one who fights our battles, He also calls His people to active participation, diligence, and prudent action in the outworking of His will. Our faith in God's power should lead to responsible action, not complacency. This partnership between divine action and human response is a recurring theme throughout Scripture, where God equips and empowers His people to carry out His purposes.

* [Deuteronomy 20:16-18](/deuteronomy/20-16-18 "The Ban on Canaanite Cities") - This passage outlines God's explicit command for Israel to utterly destroy the inhabitants of the land, underscoring the thoroughness of the divine judgment that Joshua was enacting through his strategic command.
* [Philippians 2:12-13](/philippians/2-12-13 "Work Out Your Salvation") - Paul admonishes believers to "work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure," beautifully articulating the dynamic interplay between divine action and human effort.
* [1 Corinthians 15:10](/1_corinthians/15-10 "By Grace I Am What I Am") - Paul states, "But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than all of them, yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me," profoundly demonstrating how God's grace empowers and enables diligent human labor.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joshua 10:18 offers a timeless and vital lesson for believers: divine intervention does not negate human responsibility. In our spiritual lives, we frequently pray for God's miraculous hand to move, and indeed, He often acts in powerful and unexpected ways. However, this verse serves as a potent reminder that after God grants a victory, provides a breakthrough, or opens a door, we are still called to be diligent, strategic, and actively engaged in securing the gains and preventing setbacks. Whether it's overcoming a persistent sin, achieving a significant spiritual milestone, or experiencing a season of profound blessing, we must never become complacent. Just as Joshua meticulously ensured the enemy kings were thoroughly secured, we are called to be vigilant in guarding our hearts, minds, and spiritual victories, actively pursuing righteousness and completing the tasks God has entrusted to us with prudence, perseverance, and unwavering faithfulness. Our faith in God's power should always lead to faithful, obedient action.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do you personally balance your complete reliance on God's miraculous power with your own diligent effort in facing spiritual challenges or pursuing God's specific call on your life?**
* **What "caves" or lingering issues (e.g., old habits, unresolved conflicts, areas of spiritual vulnerability, or unaddressed temptations) in your life might God be calling you to "seal" with His help and your active, sustained obedience?**
* **In what specific areas of your life might you be tempted to become complacent or passive after experiencing a "victory" or a significant blessing from God, and how can you proactively apply Joshua's diligence and vigilance to those areas?**

### FAQ
**Question? Why did Joshua not immediately execute the kings upon finding them?**

Answer: Joshua's decision to secure the kings in the cave rather than executing them immediately was a highly strategic military priority. The primary objective at that precise moment was to continue the relentless pursuit of the fleeing Amorite army and prevent any possibility of their regrouping or launching a counter-attack. [Joshua 10:19-20](/joshua/10-19-20 "Joshua 10:19-20 - Pursuit of the Enemy") clearly shows Joshua commanding his forces to "do not stay there, but pursue your enemies and attack them from the rear." The execution of the kings, while a critical act of judgment and a powerful symbol of complete victory, could wait until the main military objective of thoroughly routing the enemy forces was accomplished. This demonstrates Joshua's sound tactical judgment, prioritizing the broader strategic goal of total victory before dealing with the captured leaders. Their eventual public execution in [Joshua 10:26](/joshua/10-26 "Joshua 10:26 - Execution of the Kings") served as a powerful and public declaration of God's judgment and Israel's decisive triumph.

**Question? What is the theological significance of "great stones" and "keeping" the kings?**

Answer: The "great stones" signify the thoroughness, finality, and comprehensive nature of the kings' capture. It wasn't a half-measure or a temporary solution, but a decisive and physically demanding act to ensure no escape. Theologically, this points to the comprehensive and inescapable nature of God's judgment against the wicked and Israel's commitment to executing that judgment fully and without compromise. The command to "keep them" (Hebrew: `שָׁמַר`, _shâmar'_) emphasizes vigilance, ongoing human responsibility, and diligent stewardship. It powerfully illustrates that even when God grants miraculous victory, His people are still called to active participation and sustained diligence in securing and maintaining the fruits of that victory. It underscores the vital partnership between divine power and human effort, where God empowers and enables His people to complete the work He has initiated and to steward the blessings He has bestowed.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Joshua's decisive action in securing the five Amorite kings in the cave, ensuring their ultimate judgment, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate victory and judgment secured by Jesus Christ. Just as Joshua "sealed" the fate of these earthly enemies, Christ, through His sacrificial death on the cross and His glorious resurrection, definitively "sealed" the fate of humanity's ultimate spiritual enemies: sin, death, and the devil. The grave, like the cave at Makkedah, was intended to hold captive. Yet, Christ's resurrection from the sealed tomb was not merely an escape from imprisonment but a triumphant validation of His complete and total victory over all hostile powers, leading to the ultimate "keeping" (subjugation and defeat) of every spiritual foe. [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Principalities") powerfully declares that Christ "disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him." He holds the keys of Death and Hades ([Revelation 1:18](/revelation/1-18 "Revelation 1:18 - Keys of Death and Hades")), demonstrating His absolute and sovereign authority over all things. Our call to diligence, seen in Joshua's command to "keep" the kings, is now fulfilled and empowered by Christ's victory, enabling us to "keep" His commands and to stand firm in the freedom and triumph He has secured, knowing that He has been given [all authority in heaven and on earth](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Jesus"). Jesus' work on the cross was thorough, complete, and eternally effective, destroying the works of the devil ([1 John 3:8](/1_john/3-8 "1 John 3:8 - Jesus Destroys the Works of the Devil")) and rendering powerless him who had the power of death ([Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14-15 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Destroying the Power of Death")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Matthew 27:66

So they went, and made the sepulchre sure, sealing the stone, and setting a watch.

Job 21:30

That the wicked is reserved to the day of destruction? they shall be brought forth to the day of wrath.

Amos 9:1

¶ I saw the Lord standing upon the altar: and he said, Smite the lintel of the door, that the posts may shake: and cut them in the head, all of them; and I will slay the last of them with the sword: he that fleeth of them shall not flee away, and he that escapeth of them shall not be delivered.

Amos 5:19

As if a man did flee from a lion, and a bear met him; or went into the house, and leaned his hand on the wall, and a serpent bit him.

Joshua 10:22

Then said Joshua, Open the mouth of the cave, and bring out those five kings unto me out of the cave.

Judges 9:46

And when all the men of the tower of Shechem heard [that], they entered into an hold of the house of the god Berith.

Judges 9:49

And all the people likewise cut down every man his bough, and followed Abimelech, and put [them] to the hold, and set the hold on fire upon them; so that all the men of the tower of Shechem died also, about a thousand men and women.